Fans divided after Kim Kardashian wears $200,000 cross necklace famously worn by Princess Diana

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to sparking debate, especially when it comes to fashion. Recently, the reality star found herself at the center of another controversy after donning Princess Diana’s famous $200,000 cross necklace at the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala. The necklace, steeped in history and worn by the late Princess at a 1987 charity gala, has fans and critics alike divided on whether Kardashian’s look honored or disrespected Diana’s legacy. Let’s dive into what happened, why the necklace matters, and the reactions it stirred up.

The Story Behind Princess Diana’s Iconic Cross Necklace

The stunning cross necklace, known as the Naim Attallah Cross, is a piece that Princess Diana famously wore during a charity gala for Birthright, a charity focused on supporting human rights in pregnancy and childbirth. This large, antique amethyst cross with gold, silver, and diamonds was originally loaned to Diana by the Garrard jewelry company, a jeweler closely associated with the British royal family.

Diana styled the cross with a black and burgundy high-neck Catherine Walker gown, a look that was both modest and elegant. In true Diana fashion, the necklace’s symbolism and bold design resonated with her charitable spirit and unique style, giving the piece an almost timeless association with the late Princess.

Kim Kardashian’s Take on the Historic Jewelry Piece

Kardashian, who purchased the cross in a 2023 Sotheby’s auction for nearly $200,000, wore the piece publicly for the first time at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles. Known for her daring and often boundary-pushing fashion choices, Kardashian paired the cross necklace with a plunging, long white gown. She accessorized with a six-strand pearl choker and other statement jewelry, creating a look that contrasted sharply with Diana’s more conservative styling.

Her modern and revealing ensemble left many fans and royal enthusiasts wondering if she’d gone too far in reinterpreting this iconic piece. While some saw it as a bold homage, others viewed it as disrespectful and even inappropriate.

Mixed Reactions: Fans Split Over Kardashian’s Bold Look

Kardashian’s appearance quickly ignited a firestorm on social media. Fans voiced a range of opinions, from outrage to admiration:

• Disapproval and Outrage: Many fans took to social media to express disappointment, arguing that Kardashian’s revealing dress disrespected the meaning and symbolism of the cross. One user commented, “This is so disrespectful to [Princess] Diana and the church. Can’t leave a religious relic alone without sexualizing themselves with it.” Another criticized the look by saying, “Diana would have never dressed like that! That is not carrying on her legacy.” The sentiment was echoed by others who felt that Kardashian’s look was out of touch with Diana’s values and style.
• Support for Kardashian’s Freedom of Expression: On the other hand, some fans defended Kardashian, pointing out that she bought the necklace and has the right to wear it as she wishes. One Twitter user commented, “With all due respect, she bought it and can therefore do whatever she wants with it.” Others praised her look, emphasizing that fashion is meant to be expressive and evolve over time.
• Concerns Over Celebrity Access to Historical Pieces: Beyond fashion criticism, some fans were uncomfortable with the idea of Kardashian having access to so many iconic historical pieces. A fan remarked, “Why is she so obsessed with wearing dead or icon celebrities’ stuff?” This comment likely referred to Kardashian’s previous controversial fashion choices, such as wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic gown at the Met Gala.

Kardashian’s History of Wearing Iconic Fashion Pieces

Kardashian has made it a habit to collect and wear pieces once owned by some of the world’s most celebrated figures. In addition to Princess Diana’s cross necklace, she has won bids for items owned by legends like Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley. Perhaps her most talked-about moment was when she wore Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress to the Met Gala—a choice that received both admiration and criticism for its boldness and historical significance.

This fascination with owning and wearing famous relics has positioned Kardashian as a unique collector of iconic fashion, though it frequently lands her in hot water with fans who feel these items belong in museums rather than red carpets.

Sotheby’s Take on Kardashian’s Purchase of the Cross Necklace

While Kardashian’s fashion choices have polarized fans, not everyone sees her ownership of Princess Diana’s necklace as a negative thing. Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s in London, spoke positively about Kardashian acquiring the piece. In a statement, he called it a “bold piece of jewelry by its size, color, and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion – or indeed both.”

Spofforth expressed satisfaction that the cross necklace had found new life in the hands of a globally recognized name, highlighting the idea that such a famous piece could continue to influence and inspire through Kardashian’s public appearances.

Kim Kardashian wearing Princess Diana’s necklace she purchased in 2023 pic.twitter.com/fCbQ3id74d

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) November 4, 2024

Why Some Fans See Kardashian’s Fashion as “Blasphemy”

Many critics of Kardashian’s fashion choice see her use of a religious symbol, especially one famously worn by Diana, as more than just a fashion faux pas. Some fans called the look “blasphemy,” arguing that the cross should be treated with more reverence and worn in a way that respects its original wearer and purpose. For them, Kardashian’s risqué gown clashed with the necklace’s symbolism, making the choice feel exploitative rather than honoring Diana’s legacy.

Kim Kardashian’s Influence on Iconic Fashion and Celebrity Culture

Despite the backlash, Kardashian’s decision to wear the cross necklace speaks to her influence over fashion and popular culture. Her bold choices often ignite discussions about the intersection of celebrity, history, and ownership of cultural symbols. As someone who commands attention on a global scale, Kardashian’s use of iconic items keeps these pieces in the public eye, albeit in a way that often divides opinion.

Whether you view her as a cultural curator or an opportunist, Kardashian’s actions reveal much about the modern celebrity’s role in influencing and preserving historical fashion. Her choices challenge traditional views on who should own or wear historically significant pieces, and her public platform ensures that these discussions reach audiences far beyond fashion insiders.

Conclusion: Fashion Statement or Fashion Faux Pas?

In the case of Princess Diana’s $200,000 cross necklace, Kim Kardashian’s look has sparked heated debate over style, respect, and the power dynamics of celebrity influence. To some, she’s breathing new life into a historic piece, keeping it relevant for modern audiences. To others, her bold take on Diana’s style feels disrespectful and out of place.

Ultimately, the decision to wear such an iconic piece is a testament to Kardashian’s willingness to push boundaries and redefine celebrity fashion. Whether or not her choice was appropriate will continue to be a point of discussion, but one thing is clear: Kim Kardashian’s fashion choices don’t just make headlines—they create conversations.